New nurse practitioner in Rita Ranch available to help you and your family with an assortment of ailments

TMC One welcomes Arvie Webster, a board-certified family nurse practitioner who is now available to see patients at one of TMC One’s Rita Ranch locations. Arvie brings a wealth of knowledge and life experience in providing compassionate care for you and your family.

Arvie Webster, FNP-C

▪ What is your background?

I was born in Illinois and raised in Kentucky. I served in the military as a U.S. Army officer before practicing as a Nurse Practitioner. During that time, I was stationed all across the country. But I’m glad to have planted some roots in Tucson! I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Then I spent 10 years in nursing, primarily in emergency and trauma, before returning for my master’s degree in nursing and health care systems from Grand Canyon University. After having an administrative nursing role, I realized my passion was patient care so I returned for my post-master’s degree in family nurse practitioner from the University of Phoenix.

▪ What inspired you to go into primary care?

Growing up in a small town, our community had one family medicine physician. He practiced on the ground level of his house and his wife was his office manager. As a child, I remember him taking such great care of my family and me – everything from strep throat to high blood pressure to stitching us up when we had accidents. He was always so calm, friendly and put you at ease during visits. I was never reluctant to go see him. I think everyone should feel the same way about visiting their primary care provider. He was my inspiration for choosing primary care.

▪ What made you decide to come to Tucson?

My husband followed me all over the country while I served in the military so once I was released from active duty, I told him he could choose where we lived. I’m so glad he picked Tucson! There is so much to do outdoors and I love the diversity here. We enjoy all the road biking, mountain biking, rock climbing and swimming that Tucson offers.

▪ What do you think is the biggest health risk facing Southern Arizonans?

I think everyday stress is the biggest health risk facing Southern Arizonans. We are all so preoccupied with world events, disasters, politics, finances, hectic work schedules and trying to be involved in our children’s activities, that we rarely find time for ourselves to “unplug.” High levels of ongoing stress lead to unhealthy eating habits, lack of time and energy to exercise, sleep deprivation, anxiety and mild depression due to feeling so overwhelmed. One way to combat stress is by having a healthy work-life balance and understanding that it is OK to have time to yourself to pursue things that make you happy.

▪ Do you have any areas that are of particular interest to you?

Special interests of mine include injury and disease prevention as well as screening-exam education. For example, I have a unique approach to conversations that most patients may find awkward. I empathize with my patients and handle these topics with great concern while doing my best to make them feel comfortable when discussing things like how to perform a self breast examination correctly, or the importance of young men examining their testicles. I also feel like it is my obligation to educate patients about what medications may put them at an increased risk for injury with even minor trauma. I am a firm believer that quality education raises awareness rather than fear and avoidance.

▪ Why is it so important for people to get established with a PCP before they get sick?

Have you ever found yourself tasked with a project that you think will be easy and then you figure out that it is actually really complicated and you wish you had help? Health is very similar. For most people, it starts out easy but has the potential to get very complicated, very quickly. By getting established with a provider before you get sick, you have help before things get complicated and can potentially prevent your health from getting complicated.

▪ What has been your most valuable life experience that has impacted your medical career?

The military taught me many life lessons but the one lesson that always seemed to be natural to me was “take care of the soldier next to you.” This meant even if you didn’t see eye to eye with the person next to you, you still took care of them because they were your best chance of survival. In the civilian world, I believe this is also true for our communities. Even if we do not necessarily agree with someone, we must take care of each other in order to survive.

▪ How do you approach your relationship with your patients?

My relationship with my patients is a partnership. I consider my patients experts with their own bodies because no one lives with their body as long as they do. I offer health education to prevent and manage illness, translate symptoms into health conditions and provide assistance in navigating the health care system, but believe that both parties must be engaged in order for the partnership to succeed.

Arvie Webster is accepting new patients!TMC One’s Rita Ranch location is at 9348 E. Rita Road, #100.Expanded hours for your convenience! Appointments available as early as 6:30 a.m.Call (520) 324-4760 to make an appointment.